Coaches remain optimistic
about new recruits
By Paul Trembacki
Sports
Editor
The Purdue football coaches know something they
can't tell and it has nothing to do with Injun Joe being ticklish.
Today is the national signing day for high school
recruits. Because of NCAA rules, the coaches can't talk about individuals
until today, but they were able to discuss their general sentiments
Tuesday.
"I'm excited. This is a very good class," offensive
coordinator Jim Chaney said. "We're happy with what we got and we feel
we've been able to fill the needs we had."
After last season, four starters on the offensive
line and quarterback Drew Brees ran out of eligibility. But assistant
coach Scott Downing said those spots will be filled by talented players
next season.
Chaney said there is a slight chance a player or
two who verbally committed might back down at the last minute and not
sign.
"But as we sit here the day before signing day
we're comfortable," Chaney said. "We're real pleased with what we got."
According to Rivals.com, Purdue is getting some
quality players for next season. The Web site rates players on a scale
of one to four stars, and Purdue has reportedly received commitments
from five four-star recruits.
Quarterback Kyle Orton of Southeast Polk High School
in Altoona, Iowa, is the top player in Purdue's class. The top defensive
player is linebacker Brent Grover of Highlands High School in Fort Thomas,
Ky.
Other four-star recruits include Kevin Noel, a
wide receiver from Naperville (Ill.) Central High School; running back
Reggie Benton of Mountain View High School in Annandale, Va.; and Brandon
Jones of Peru (Ind.) High School.
Purdue's 20-plus recruits include two quarterbacks,
four running backs, five linebackers, three tight ends, two defensive
ends and three offensive linemen. Five recruits are from Ohio and five
are from Texas.
"The overall depth and intelligence of this class
is its strength," Chaney said.
But coaches are reluctant to compare this class
to others.
"I don't think you can judge a class until you
see them play in practice," Downing said.
The Boilers' Big Ten tri-championship and appearance
in the Rose Bowl were apparently important to high school players. In
fact, many of Purdue's recruits committed right after the Boilers clinched
a Rose Bowl berth.
"As we became more successful we were going after
more nationally-known recruits," Downing said.
Because none of Purdue's recruits graduated high
school early, none are at Purdue this semester.
Last spring, Brandon Hance, having graduated from
high school in December 1999, enrolled at Purdue so he could have more
time to learn from senior Drew Brees.
But with several quarterbacks reportedly on their
way, Hance's status as the starter is not definite.
"Brandon and Carl Buergler are our two quarterbacks
now," Chaney said. "But there's always going to be competition.
Chaney said Hance, who redshirted last year and
still has four years of eligibility, has an advantage over everyone
else but the spot remains open for now.
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